A new chapter for IODA's leadership: thank you Deborah & welcome Mark!

The International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance (IODA) is pleased to welcome Dr Mark Schultzel as President for 2026–2027, as we extend our heartfelt thanks to Miss Deborah Eastwood for her dedicated service as President.

As Deborah concludes her presidential term and transitions into the role of Immediate Past President, we celebrate her contributions to IODA and look forward to the next chapter of the organisation under Mark’s leadership.

Thank You, Deborah Eastwood

We extend our sincere gratitude to Deborah for her leadership, commitment and service to IODA. Her time and energy have been instrumental in advancing our mission to champion diversity, equity and inclusion in orthopaedics worldwide.

During her presidency, Deborah has helped strengthen IODA’s work to connect orthopaedic surgeons across countries and backgrounds, promote greater representation, and foster an orthopaedic community in which everyone can thrive.

Her dedication to the organisation and its members has contributed to IODA’s continued growth and its efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable future for the profession.

As Deborah moves into the role of Immediate Past President, we are delighted that she will continue to contribute her experience and insight as a member of the IODA Board of Directors.

Thank you, Deborah, for your leadership and for your ongoing commitment to IODA, our profession, and the patients and communities we serve.

Welcome, Dr Mark Schultzel

We are delighted to welcome Dr Mark Schultzel as IODA’s 2026–2027 President, following his service on the presidential line. Mark brings extensive clinical experience, executive leadership and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in orthopaedics.

Based in San Diego, California, Mark serves as Division Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at United Medical Doctors, Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Sharp Community Medical Group, and Chief Medical Officer of Modiv Health.

A board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Mark completed fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. He also holds clinical appointments at UC San Diego and Touro Schools of Medicine.

Beyond his clinical and executive roles, Mark serves as a team physician for the US Olympic Team and USA Kendo. His professional interests also include artificial intelligence and spatial computing in medicine.

Mark is actively involved in leadership and diversity initiatives across several professional organisations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Pride Ortho.

His breadth of experience and commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion will support IODA’s continued efforts to strengthen representation, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for orthopaedic professionals around the world.

Looking Ahead

As IODA enters this new presidential term, we remain committed to building a global orthopaedic community where diversity is valued, inclusion is prioritised, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We thank Deborah for her outstanding service and welcome Mark as he takes on this important leadership role. We look forward to working together with our Board, committees, members and partners to continue advancing IODA’s mission.

Please join us in thanking Deborah Eastwood for her leadership and congratulating Dr Mark Schultzel on his appointment as IODA President for 2026–2027!